Tuesday, July 3, 2012

“When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.” James 1:13-14

Barrels overflowed with sweet treats just begging us to
indulge. Wandering around the hotel we were staying at for a baseball
tournament, the lure of the sugary haven drew us in. Barrel upon barrel was
filled to the brim with a variety of candy heaven. It was as if every container
was begging us to grab a handful and scoop it into the baskets provided for
sugar addicts to overdose upon. Sold by weight, the tempting morsels could add
up quickly.

As we browsed through the store, I thought to myself, this
will really blow all the progress I’ve been making with my pretty healthy
eating plan and exercise commitment. Is it worth it for a few sweet treats? My
desire for my health won out and I spend the rest of the time just meandering
and reminiscing over the candies from my childhood that had resurfaced in the
store.

As I was lingering, I felt a nudge in my spirit. Isn’t this
sometimes how we approach things in our lives? We are lured in by the tempting
sweetness of life’s pleasures, only to realize later that we are left worse off
than before.

Relationships we know aren’t good for us

The temporary high of retaliation

Justifying choices and behaviors that are accepted
in the mainstream world

It is not easy to choose the higher road. The path of
righteousness that we as believers are called to follow. But, the good news is,
we are not supposed to go it alone. We, in our own strength, are not equipped
for that journey. Our call, our privilege, is to walk hand in hand with the God
of the universe.

How can anything be too much for us if we really stop and
think about who it is we are able to go through this life with? He made it all
and He will never allow us to be in a situation that we cannot handle, if we
remain closely tied to Him.

It is a struggle, don’t get me wrong. The temptations and
lures of this world grab, tug and pull at us from all directions. James tells
us about the sin that lives within each of us and how, if let out and left
unchecked, can grow and become death.The
enemy uses our inner sinful desires to try and draw us off course. But we, who
have the Holy Spirit in us, are empowered to do battle against the rages of
this world and the enemy.

About Me

I am an eclectic mess of a lady trying to figure out how to honor God with my everyday moments. I’m a wife, mom, PR consultant who believes there is a greater plan in all the messes of life. It’s never easy, but God never promised us that it would be. So, I hang on to Him searching for the path, answers and ways to inspire others to seek Him. I hope you’ll join me and enjoy the ride.